AMN /Ramallah
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received warm welcom as he arrived here in the Palestinian capital today. Mr Modi reached Ramallah via helicopter from Jordanian capital Amman, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine.
He laid wreath at the tomb of Yasser Arafat before visiting the legendary Palestinian leader’s museum which is also situated inside the Presidential complex.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas while welcoming PM Modi said, the visit reaffirms the depth of relationships which the countries share which will contribute to further development and advancement of bilateral ties.
Later India and Palestine on Saturday signed six agreements in different areas, including in health and education.
The exchange of agreements followed the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
In his press statement, Prime Minister Modi assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people’s interests.
He said, Palestine has always taken a top spot in India’s foreign policy.
He added that India hopes that Palestine will soon become a free country in a peaceful manner.
Mr Modi expressed happiness as both countries are moving ahead with development cooperation and announced that India is aiding construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine.
The Prime Minister lauded people of Palestine for continuously shown exemplary courage in tough times, in spite of the unstable environment.
On the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine conferred on him, Mr Modi said, it is a great honour for all the people of India. The Grand Collar is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries.
In his press statement, the Palestinian President said, the visit reaffirms the depth of relationships which the countries share which will contribute to further development and advancement of bilateral ties. He said, the talks were fruitful and constructive.
On Israel Palestine relationship, President Abbas said, India’s role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement and in the international fora, in a way that is conducive to the desired peace in the region.
During the bilateral discussions, both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Mr Modi will leave for Amman on Saturday itself and from there, he will head to UAE.